IN EXCESS

Some of heavy metal's most extravagant enfants terribles think bigger

Despite costly rock expenditures like synthesizer breaks, Rush-like vocals, and 11-minute jams about Rasputin, tonight's headliner, Peach State prog-metal quartet Mastodon, is proving itself recession-proof. Although the scruffy Atlanta band started off the decade sounding like a ferocious re-imagining of classic Metallica, they have attracted a wider fanbase with their artier leanings and TMZ-worthy brawls in the years since they signed to a major label. As such, Mastodon's latest, the defiantly psychedelic and sung-not-screamed Crack the Skye, debuted at No. 11 on the Top 200 in March, and the outfit will soon support Metallica on a European tour. Can't-miss openers and fellow Georgians Kylesa balance the bill by recalling Mastodon's halcyon days, their two (!) drummers bashing out punky stoner-metal bruisers. Kylesa's extravagance paid off, though, since their latest, Static Tensions, is one of metal's best so far this year. With Los Angeles prog-metal group Intronaut.
Sat., May 9, 8 p.m., 2009